RMIT and KOTO set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD title to empower at-risk youth

RMIT and KOTO set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD title to empower at-risk youth

RMIT Vietnam and social enterprise KOTO have officially set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ title for the largest banh mi number, with 631 loaves arranged in the shape of “25”. The record-breaking event aimed to raise essential funds through the Hope Foundation to support at-risk youth across Vietnam.

A record-breaking 631 loaves of Vietnamese banh mi arranged in the shape of “25” (Photo: RMIT) A record-breaking 631 loaves of Vietnamese banh mi arranged in the shape of “25” (Photo: RMIT)
RMIT Vietnam and social enterprise KOTO have officially set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ title for the largest banh mi number. (Photo: RMIT) RMIT Vietnam and social enterprise KOTO have officially set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ title for the largest banh mi number. (Photo: RMIT)

The initiative marked 25 years of educational contributions by both organisations and celebrated Vietnamese culture through the nation’s iconic banh mi. More than 1,000 guests witnessed the attempt, including Ms Sarah Hooper, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, the RMIT community, corporate sponsors and partners. A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ official adjudicator attended and verified the record on site.

Ms Jodie Altan, RMIT Vietnam’s Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engagement, said: “Banh mi carries Vietnam’s story to the world - one of creativity, resilience, and connection. In many ways, RMIT Vietnam shares that same mission: bringing world-class education to Vietnam while staying deeply rooted in its people and culture. Together with KOTO, this world record attempt is a celebration of how culture and education can create lasting change.”

Attempting a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ is no small feat – it requires meticulous planning, compliance with global standards, and precise execution. From the structural integrity of the bread display to stringent hygiene, safety, and documentation protocols, every detail had to meet world-class expectations. Months of preparation culminated in a single moment to make history with the Vietnamese banh mi.

(From left to right) Mr Austin Johnson (GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ adjudicator), Mr Jimmy Pham (KOTO), Ms Jodie Altan (RMIT Vietnam) (Photo: RMIT) (From left to right) Mr Austin Johnson (GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ adjudicator), Mr Jimmy Pham (KOTO), Ms Jodie Altan (RMIT Vietnam) (Photo: RMIT)

Mr Austin Johnson, GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ adjudicator, said: “Every GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ attempt is assessed against a clear set of criteria, including measurability, verifiability, standardisation, and uniqueness. In this case, the structure needed to be made entirely of bread, shaped accurately into the number 25, and verified by independent experts. In addition, organisers were required to ensure that all food preparation complied with local hygiene standards throughout the process, from production to distribution. The attempt met the technical requirements while also demonstrating clear organisation and purpose in celebrating 25 years of achievement.

“The team ensured that every element met record guidelines while engaging the wider community in a positive way. It was a well-executed attempt that reflected both professionalism and strong collaboration among participants.”

Hundreds of volunteers worked together to prepare, assemble, and safely wrap the banh mi, turning a cultural icon into a symbol of community and purpose. (Photo: RMIT) Hundreds of volunteers worked together to prepare, assemble, and safely wrap the banh mi, turning a cultural icon into a symbol of community and purpose. (Photo: RMIT)

To ensure hygiene and safety, approximately 400 participants were involved in the preparation of the bread. On-site, volunteers carefully assembled and filled each banh mi, all of which were individually wrapped for display. Once the record was verified, all banh mi were immediately and safely enjoyed by the event attendees, turning a celebration into a meaningful act of community and support for at-risk youth through the Hope Foundation. 

In recent years, the Hope Foundation and KOTO have collaborated on various initiatives supporting vulnerable children and disadvantaged youth in remote and underserved areas. Among these, the Foundation has helped connect ethnic minority and orphaned students from rural provinces with vocational training in hospitality at KOTO’s training centres. 

Ms Sarah Hooper, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, attended the record-setting event to celebrate 25 years of impact and support KOTO’s Dream School initiative. (Photo: RMIT) Ms Sarah Hooper, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, attended the record-setting event to celebrate 25 years of impact and support KOTO’s Dream School initiative. (Photo: RMIT)

Founded in 1999, KOTO (Know One, Teach One) was the first legally recognised social enterprise in Vietnam, with a mission to break the cycle of poverty through hospitality training and holistic life skills education. Over the past 25 years, KOTO has transformed the lives of more than 1,700 disadvantaged youth, many from ethnic minority groups and remote areas. All graduates secure employment and often return to give back to their communities. With the launch of its new Dream School campus, KOTO aims to train 300 students annually.

The atmosphere at the event was vibrant and community driven. Guests gathered in anticipation, enjoying live music and engaging in activities as volunteers worked together to assemble the massive “25” banh mi display. It was more than a record attempt; it was a powerful statement about the impact of collaboration, education, and shared purpose.

Once the record was verified, all banh mi were immediately and safely enjoyed by the event attendees. Once the record was verified, all banh mi were immediately and safely enjoyed by the event attendees.

As of 25 October, the event has raised USD 21,000 in donations. The donation portal remains open, and the donation drive will continue into November. These proceeds will directly support the development of KOTO’s Dream School, a transformative initiative aimed at providing free, high-quality hospitality training and life skills education to at-risk and disadvantaged youth across Vietnam.

Story: June Pham

27 October 2025

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